Blog Post 2: Handheld Devices

Handheld devices are becoming a regular item you will see in schools today.  They range from cellphone, iPods, iPads, tablets and the list can go on.  They are not going anywhere, so we need to get a handle on them, embrace them and know that they are becoming a regular item on our school supply list.

            In the article, When You Give Students iPads, What Will They Do with Them?, you can read about how a 1:1 iPad initiative has gone in effect with an elementary schools 4^th and 5^th graders.  Within the article you can read about how the students take ownership by signing a contract with I statements to make it a more positive.  They are placed on carts where the students can store them and the teachers can sync, add/remove apps or download any updates that are needed.  They take their devices everywhere from Art to PE and use them in all subjects.  They even have the ability to create a password and gain independence by embracing this technology they have in their hands throughout the day.  The article makes it evident that a handheld device in the hands of every student takes them through many different avenues of learning.  With this they are able to become connected with the outside world that a regular textbook would not take them.  The author, who is a teacher librarian and the technology integrationist helps the students get a handle on their iPads use and shares many apps and educational resources for them to use not only in the library, but in all subject areas throughout the day.

            As a librarian, I would utilize a 1:1 initiative by starting with a digital citizenship curriculum and make sure that all students, faculty and staff know the copyright laws.  With each child having a device in their hands it give us the opportunity to take virtual field trip, when we are learning about a new country or how people lived in a different era.  We would be able to locate places we have never seen on an interactive world map. I will also use it as a tool for collaborative groups and group projects.  The possibilities are endless.  Along with these activities, e-books, videos and apps will become a regular part of our day in the library and it will not stop there.  When they take the devices back to class, I will make sure that they leave the library with some new concept that will help them in the classroom as well.   Handheld devices are becoming a key part of our learning each year and being able to use it every day, everywhere you go, will only make our students thrive and become an active digital citizen.

Reference

Miller, S. M. (2014, April). When you give students iPads, what will they do with them?

            School Library Monthly, 30(7), 35-37.